The young and the aged must respect each other

Strengthen social support network to ease pressure

Diao Pengfei, associate research fellow at the Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Square dancing has become popular among senior citizens partly because of China's rapid economic development and rising aging population. Square dancing is just one form of recreation for senior citizens. Conflicts between the youth and senior citizens can be avoided if more recreational avenues are made available to senior citizens.

According to sociology theory, social support is related to the perception and actuality that one is cared for, has assistance available from other people, and that one is part of a supportive social network. These supportive resources can be emotional, tangible, informational or companionship.

In this regard, closer connection built through group recreations may help senior citizens get mutual assistance, which could fill some gaps left by home-based care for the aged. Statistics show that 96 percent of the elderly in China rely on family members' support, and middle-aged people usually use all their savings to provide for their families and take care of their children. So strengthening the community social support network might help ease their burdens and leave them with enough money to pay for their recreational activities.